It seems like just yesterday we were little girls in ponytails and basketball shorts. Time flies and last week Noelle Hilgendorf became Noelle Olmstead on a shining day in Seattle. For me this wedding was more than just a wedding. It was past, present and future; a big reminder of how many amazing people I was so blessed to grow up around in Medford.  We took bridal party and family pictures at Seward Park. As the moments passed I watched all the most special people in Noi and Casey's lives slowly pull into the parking lot to greet them with so much love and support. (If any of you are ever sad, please look at the picture below of Noi's grandma & grandpa kissing her on the cheek - I guarantee it will make you smile!!) Noi had this glow about her the entire day, this perma- grin, like she just knew her life was only going to get more amazing by sharing it all with Casey. Her laugh is infectious and both the bride and grooms' generous attitude made the whole day so sweet - I have no doubt that will carry them toward an awesome future together.

A highlight of the day had to have been at the firehouse. Apparently the firefighter that the girls had cleared taking photos with wasn't there on Saturday - the first look was almost ruined by an angry EMT getting in my face and a burst of sirens. Luckily, we worked it out and they were able to have their moment - as soon as Casey saw her, none of that mattered, nothing else in the world mattered in fact. I'm pretty sure the look on Casey's face when he first saw Noi was the look that all little girls dream we'll get from somebody someday...

The rest of the photos will be out in a couple days, but here are a few to make you smile for now. Thank you to both families for making me feel so loved throughout the whole day. Congratulations you guys!

Spending the day with the people in theses pictures means I officially have the best job in the world. When Betsy & Jace asked me to help photograph their wedding I couldn't have been more thrilled! The wedding party was the coolest and both their families are amazing. Here's a sneak peak from last Saturday. More to come. Congratulations, you guys! 

***"You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love." -Henry Drummond

Once upon a time, I lived in a house with 7 guys. Ha, yes really! It's hardly a Cinderella story but spending my first year in Southern California living in, what felt like a sitcom, is a big part of my story. But that's not what this post is about. It's about one of the guys that lived there - the one that lived in the garage. To me, he is Bobbo; a redheaded musician with a big heart that I would sometimes see in the mornings while getting coffee. To the stunning bride you see in the photos below, he is the love of her life. I was lucky enough to assist at their wedding on Saturday. From the moment they first laid eyes on each other, to the sweet sounds of Ben Harper's Forever  playing as Suz glowed down the aisle, to all the guests belting out "Don't stop believing!" with them in the middle of the dance floor, the day was nothing short of perfect. Watching Suz's face as Bob pulled out his guitar surprising her in singing a song at the reception reminded me that their truly are real life, Cinderella stories. I'm so grateful that April Smith (www.aprilsmithphotography.com) had me assist her in this beautiful day at San Dimas golf course. April is a gifted photographer and a mentor to me that I am so grateful for. You can log onto her site to see even more of this special event. It was an inspiring day spent with beautiful friends. It reminded me that all we truly need in this life is love, after all. Congratulations to my old roomie and his gorgeous new wife, Suzanne! Thank you both for letting me spend this day with you. May your life be filled with nothing but happiness.

As the year comes to an end, it's important to give thanks to the people that made 2009 so great. I've been fortunate enough to assist some very talented photographers this year. Among them is an extraordinary woman by the name of Toki Cavenor http://tokisphotos.com/ She has been so gracious and allowed me to assist her at some incredible weddings in the bay area. She has a way with her clients that I can only aspire to one day have. She is so personal and her love for wedding photography shines through all aspects of her business. She inspires me and I'm so grateful to be learning from her. With that said, I want to share pictures from one of my favorite weddings I did with her. There's something so romantic about getting married under the golden gate. It was one of those weddings that felt like a fairy-tale. Here are some of my favorites.